Action from the Caribbean under-17 qualifier between Jamaica (yellow jersey) and Bermuda on September 16, 2016, in Couva, Trinidad & Tobago. (Photo: CA-Images) 

COUVA, Trinidad & Tobago -- Defender Jamoi Topey is focused on helping Jamaica win the Caribbean under-17 qualifying tournament currently being contested in Trinidad & Tobago.

The Reggae Boyz advanced to the regional semifinals and booked a ticket to the 2017 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship a 3-2 win over Trinidad & Tobago to complete Group A play on Tuesday.

Next up is a final-four meeting with Group B winner Cuba, which has won each of its three games in the final round.

It’s all about Caribbean honors now says Topey.

“I believe we have made huge strides since we came to Trinidad,” the 16-year-old commented. “As a team, we are improving. We have achieved our first objective, which is to qualify for the CONCACAF Championship in Panama. Two years ago, we came second. Now we want to go one step further.”

Topey, who plays for Camperdown High School and stands a towering 6-feet-5 tall, counts Real Madrid and Spain star Sergio Ramos as his favorite footballer. He is hoping his strengths on the field will help to deliver a win on Friday, especially since he missed the T&T encounter due to yellow card accumulation.

“There is no doubt my strong point is heading, but I am also good with my feet as my career started at midfield, where I had to handle the ball a lot,” remarked Topey. “I was pushed into center back because of my height. With my different strengths, I believe I can be an asset moving forward with this team. Whether it is a set piece opportunity or long range shot, I do think I can have more of an attacking impact in addition to my defensive responsibilities.”

Topey would like to pursue a career in physiotherapy if professional football does not work out. He is motivated to win succeed on the field, especially since the senior side was eliminated from qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup last month.

“Seeing the senior team not qualify for the World Cup truly hurt all Jamaicans and there has been a lot of disappointment across the island,” Topey finished. “However, all eyes are on us now since the U-20 team also dropped out, so the pressure is on us to get to a FIFA World Cup.

“We want to deliver and want to make all Jamaicans happy, so getting to India is our number one aim right now.”